Staff Attorney

About the Center for Heirs’ Property®

The Center for Heirs’ Property® (CHP) helps under-resourced and small-acreage landowners protect what matters most — the roof over their heads and the land under their feet. Since 2005, CHP has empowered families through legal education, direct legal services, and sustainable land-use programs that strengthen ownership, clarity, and generational prosperity.

Rooted in South Carolina and recognized nationally for its leadership, CHP envisions a nation where every family can enjoy the legacy of home—securing ownership, protection, and prosperity for generations to come.

Position Description

CHP is seeking a Staff Attorney who will conduct client intakes, provide consultations, and direct legal representation on legal matters pertaining to heirs’ property, tenancy in common rights, probate estate administration, interstate inheritance, chain of title issues, tax sales, quiet title action, land partition matters, and the drafting of Wills and Advanced Directives. The position also requires full participation in community outreach efforts and events for the Center’s service area, including evening and weekend work. This position is located at 3790 Fernandina Road, Suite 103, Columbia, SC 29210.

Responsibilities:

• Conducting client interviews, consultations, and fact gathering.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations relative to Heirs’ Property.
• Knowledgeable of the administration of probate estates and real property matters.
• Analyzing complex legal situations of clients and determining the appropriate strategy for obtaining a favorable outcome for clients.
• Drafting pleadings, written discovery, correspondence, and memoranda.
• Translate complex legal issues into terms clients can understand.
• Has a strong commitment and belief in the concept of alternative dispute resolution.
• Participating in community outreach and presentations.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate and admitted to practice in South Carolina (or eligible to be admitted)
• Completion of the 403 requirements or ability to complete within 3 months.
• One year of experience in handling the administration of probate estates and Petition to Determine Heirs actions and familiarity with the quiet title process, preferred but not required.
• Demonstrated interest in the area of heirs’ property law and working with low- income individuals.
• Able to communicate effectively, be empathetic, and understand the diverse clients of the organization.
• Demonstrable commitment to social justice and experience working with under-resources population strongly preferred.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with the ability to be detail-oriented.
• Basic computer skills required. Familiarity with the Microsoft Office program (Word, Excel, SharePoint, Teams) is strongly preferred.

How to Apply:

Applicants should send via email to: Attention: Sonya Laribo, Human Resources

• Resume with a cover letter that states why you are interested in the open position, office location, and salary requirements

No calls please, regarding this opportunity; however, feel free to view the Center’s website at www.heirsproperty.org for additional information.

Salary & Benefits Information:

Hiring Range: $60,000 - $65,000 commensurate with experience.

CHPP's 37.50-hour workweek offers flexibility, allowing employees to maintain a work-life balance while serving the Center's clients and mission. Excellent benefits package that includes employer-paid health and dental coverage, up to 16 paid holidays, 20 days of accrued vacation and sick time, disability, and life insurance options. Annual Bar Dues paid by employer and annual professional development ($1,200 per year), cellphone stipend, company laptop, and mileage reimbursement.